2 Must-Visit Family-Friendly Delaware Valley Destinations for the Holidays

Take your family travels to two more under-the-radar destinations this holiday season, with both boasting charming stores, light displays, visits from Santa and more.

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Stone Harbor, New Jersey

Even though it’s more traditionally a beach town, Stone Harbor features plenty to do during the holiday season, including holiday shopping at Paisley Christmas Shoppe or Mudough’s Christmas Shop and the Holiday Bash by the Bay, a beach holiday party.

At The Reeds at Shelter Haven, brunch with Santa and his elves on Dec. 4 and 11, and check out the gingerbread scale model of the hotel made by Bredenbeck Bakery in Philadelphia. The resort’s Gingerbread Getaway offer includes a gingerbread-making kit, two gingerbread cocktails and a $100 dining credit to any hotel restaurant.

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But, up first, Stone Harbor’s annual Tree Lighting Ceremony and Holiday Sing-along takes place Nov. 25.

New Hope, Pennsylvania

Perfect for a winter getaway, New Hope, located between New York City and Philadelphia, has been dubbed a “Hallmark” town by singer Lance Bass. Holiday activities include nearby Peddler’s Village’s Holidays in the Village with 1 million-plus lights, shopping, a gingerbread house competition and Santa visits. “Million Dollar Quartet: Christmas at Bucks County Playhouse” runs through Jan. 1.

River House at Odette’s © Refined Hospitality

At River House at Odette’s, Odette’s Overlook offers the perfect spot to cozy up with a Christmas cocktail. The property boasts brunch with Santa on Dec. 11 and a holiday book reading and signing with author Lynn Steger Strong for her book Flight.